During a severe S.E. gale on the 27th December the Torpedo-boat Destroyer Success ran ashore on the rocky coast at Kingsbarns, about six miles from St. Andrews. The vessel was steaming south, and in the darkness, without any shore lights to guide her, she lost her bearings. Signals of distress were made, and the Coastguard called up Andrew Cunningham, Coxswain of the Grail Life - boat Edwin Kay, who at once summoned the crew. The boat j was launched at about 6 A.M. when the gale was at its height. The Coxswain handled the boat admirably, and dis- played skilful seamanship in keeping the boat from being dashed to pieces on the rocks which surrounded the vessel.

Unfortunately, in spite of all care, the Life-boat was badly holed whilst on its way to the vessel, and owing to the heavy seas Coxswain Cunningham and another member of the crew were washed out of the boat. Happily, owing to their having their life-belts on, they were saved by the other members of the crew, who succeeded in getting hold of them and pulling them back into the boat. With great courage Coxswain Cunningham, in spite of his exciting adventure, continued the work of rescue. When the boat arrived twenty of the crew were taken off and at once conveyed ashore. Although the boat was damaged the Coxswain put off again, and in the course of two more journeys brought thirty-four more men into safety.

The St. Andrews Life-boat then arrived upon the scene. This boat took off the remainder of the crew, thirteen in number, and as there was no neces- sity for any further action on the part of the Grail Life-boat, she was hauled ! up into safety. ! In recognition of this fine service and j the indomitable pluck displayed both | by Coxswain Cunningham and the crew i in continuing their task in a damaged ; boat, the Committee of Management awarded the former the Silver Medal of \ the Institution and gave him and each I of the other members of the crew an j additional monetary reward. ! Later, letters of thanks were received ; from the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty and from the Admiral Com- , manding the Coast of Scotland express- ing their appreciation and thanks for the services rendered by the crews of the Crail and St. Andrews boats and, further, expressing the hope that the Coxswain and the other man who were j washed overboard had completely re- covered from their long exposure.

The service performed by the St.

Andrews boat was also very efficiently carried out, in very severe conditions of weather, and the Committee also granted each of the crew of that boat an additional reward..